Lawmakers push back against Washington high court

Washington state's highest court has exercised an unusual amount of power on education funding, and it's prompted some lawmakers to raise constitutional concerns.

Before last year's legislative session, the court ruled that the state wasn't meeting its obligation to amply pay for basic education. In response, the Legislature added about $1 billion in school-related spending, and lawmakers widely agree they'll add more funding in coming years.

Earlier this month, the court went a step further, analyzing specific funding targets while telling lawmakers to come back with a new plan by the end of April.

Some lawmakers say the justices don't have this level of budgeting authority and are overstepping separation of powers limits.

In response, senators are exploring a bill that would shrink the court from nine justices to five.